Between the Bookends: What am I reading now?

I am reading Between, Georgia by Joshilyn Jackson. I read her first novel, gods in Alabama, and loved her humor and southern characters. Between, Georgia has been entertaining so far, but I only 100 pages into the book.

Between the Bookends: Twilight by Stephanie Meyer

This summer I have made an effort to read more, watch TV less. So, as a by-product, I have a number of book reviews I can do. Let me start with my summer reading blockbuster: Twilight by Stephanie Meyer.

To say I was reluctant to start the series is an understatement. I did not think a novel with romance, vampires, werewolves, and teenagers would appeal to me. I was wrong! Twilight grabs your attention from page one. You are instantly drawn to Bella and her awkward, shy nature. As she stumbles through the spring semester of her junior year of high school, you begin to champion her quest to be with Edward, the vampire. The struggle that Edward feels throughout the book is magnified by the exceptional storytelling that Meyer weaves together. This novel leaves you "thirsty" for the next book in the series, New Moon. Be warned, once you start the series, you will not want to stop until you are done.

-Side note- The movie is not even in the ballpark compared to the novel. Once you have read the book and then see the movie, it is like a 2 hour trailer for the novel. They skip some of the best parts of the book so it just leaves the Twilight fan wanting to re-read the book so they can get the story right in their head.

Birthday Thank You

This past Sunday was my (Lauren) birthday. I have to say that this year was a great birthday. This is not to say that I did not have quality birthdays as a child. Some of my most memorable parties were at the Knoxville Zoo, Showbiz, the Tennessee School of Beauty, and my surprise 17th birthday. However, now to have a good birthday does not require a big party or elaborate gifts. This year I just wanted a good meal with my family and friends and a relaxing hike in the Smoky Mountains. I lucked out and got both.

Thank you to everyone who celebrated with me.

Now is the time to be an American

As a moderate independent, this election has been one for the books. Some are really excited today because Obama won and others are upset that McCain lost, but either way you feel, today we must come together as a nation.

Our political leader does not control our life so do not get down on this great country or the presidency because your man did not win. Instead, find ways to make a difference in your life and your community. We are not going to get out of this recession by sitting back and waiting for the government to bail us out. It is on our shoulders to take care of our personal finances. As Obama said last night, "if you ever thought you could not do something, this election is your proof." Quit blaming the other side for the missed opportunities in your life. Stand up for yourself and do not let anyone stop you from working hard to provide for yourself and your family.

My wish for the next four years, is that we put our political affiliation away and focus on getting back to basics. Our government is to big to operate successful and is giving out to many "freebies" to our citizens (and non-citizens). As the bible says, we need to teach folks to fish instead of continually throwing them a fish to eat. I hope that you will stay in touch with the politically environment and not wait until the next election to tune in. We, the people, lead this nation and our government representation will follow.

God bless America!

Our New House

Finally, a picture of our new house. It is our mountain house in the city.

Is the Election Over Yet?

Wow, this could go down in history (at least for the next 4 years) as the longest presidential campaign. It has gone on so long that it is becoming anti-climatic now. I am so sick of hearing about McCain and Obama, that I just want the election over. Don't get me wrong, I will be voting in this election (as all legal American citizens should!), but I can't wait until I can turn on the TV or log onto Yahoo and there not be a new example of why America has a major leadership problem. This vote, as most presidential elections, is simply choosing who you believe to be the lessor of two evils.

So, here is my point, even though this election has gone on way to long and both candidates have numerous flaws it is your duty as an American to educate yourself, pick a candidate to support, and on November 4 GO VOTE!

We're Homeowners, again.

Chris and I closed on our second house on Tuesday. As of today, it feels like a vacation home because we have not moved in yet. We only go visit at night or during the day when we are getting deliveries. However, we plan to start moving in tonight.

I am thrilled about the new house! It is a beautiful house with loads of potential. Chris has been working non-stop on the perfect landscape design. His design is in CAD and he is just waiting on the land survey to finish. A beautiful yard is a perk of being married to Chris Herbstritt. I can't wait to see what his creative mind has come up with.

As for the inside of the house, the wall color is just my style and the wood floors and carpet are perfect so all I need is beautiful furniture to fill the space. The furniture buying will be a process because I refuse to go in debt to have the furniture. Instead, I want to buy piece-by-piece as we have the money to do so. In order to carry out my plan, I have gotten a part-time, seasonal job at Pottary Barn. The extra income and discount at Pottary Barn will help tremendously towards furnishing the house.

We bought a house that is great for entertaining and we hope that y'all come visit us soon!

P.S. - I promise I will have pictures soon.